Dictatorship and Democracy Essay Example for Free

Dictatorship and Democracy Essay Benazir Bhutto was a renowned politician and the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan during a time that changed the face of the world; the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks of the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 95. She was outspoken against the policy, rhetoric and agenda of Al Qaeda. On the 4th of October 2002, Bhutto gave a speech to the world stating that Al Qaeda not only victimized western society, but victimized Muslim Nations and the people of Islam. In her speech she invites the Democracies of the world to help thwart terrorism by replacing Dictatorships with Democratic Governments that provide for their people. Bhutto states, â€Å"Democracies which operate under pluralistic and public constraints, must provide for the public welfare, must provide social services, and must provide education, health and housing. Dictatorships need not. † (WV 293) In this essay I will discuss my disposition of Benazir Bhutto’s statement of government involvement of society. Benazir Bhutto belonged to a part of the world that most of us do not know well. She comes from a part of the world that does not consider women as man’s equal in society and religion. Part of this world has been plagued by the scourge of Al Qaeda; a terrorist organization that based its belief in the total destruction of Western Civilization for the preservation of Islam, taught in the method of extremism. The Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda assassinated Benazir Bhutto for her disagreement of the ways, methods and extreme fundamentalisms purported by Al Qaeda. She paid the ultimate price with her life for her outspoken beliefs against the unguided, against the recklessness and against the atrocity afflicted upon a Muslim society dictated by a mind hell bent on suffer for not conforming to his/her blueprint. She herself was enlightened, seeking progress of mankind. Dictatorships are more prominent around the world than one would think. Almost every nation has had a form of Dictatorship at one time in its history. Dictatorships are defined as authoritarian government ruled by one person. Usually the leader of these societies will take resources from his/her people to distribute elsewhere, primarily the military. In turn the people will do without food, state run services, electricity, running water, education and medical services. They’re even told how to worship religion throughout their lives. When people are oppressed and subject to such regimes they either protest their government or in some cases embrace it. I understand what Bhutto is inferring with her quote. When people are forced into these oppressive regimes it breeds hatred that can easily spill outside of its borders. It makes sense that oppressed people can become frustrated by outside influences and resort to a simplistic way of life. The oppressed can become more open to a suggested and dangerous agenda carrying with them the heavy burden over generations. On the other hand, Democracy is more in tune with its people. I define Democracy as a government system that sets all citizens as equal and allows its people to voice their opinion all for the greater good of society. In these societies the government can provide for its citizens what Dictatorships usually neglect. Democracies have the power to ensure that each citizen is entitled to education rights, social services, health care, public welfare and housing needs for the less fortunate. Democratic citizens who are in need should have no worries of doing without, as if Mom or Dad is there to lend a helping hand to their children. The citizens can control what benefits they have rights to through Democratic process where as people subdued by a Dictator struggle to get by with whatever they can get their hands on. A Democracy supports the ideas of many whereas a Dictatorship pushes the agenda of one person across its people. A Democracy encourages people to live positively and hopeful. It’s easy to say that people who live under Democracy are not oppressed but in some cases spoiled by the fruits of their government. Unfortunately the circumstantial effect of Dictatorships can ultimately lead to factions that want nothing more but to change the world into their idealisms. These groups become extreme in their own right and force their agenda on the world through extreme action. Dictatorships become breeding grounds for this kind of filth and their ilk; in some cases a terrorist organization houses a Dictator with the power to spread rhetoric to the world by utilizing media outlets that air the aftermath of terror attacks. The entire populace of one’s country is negatively reflected and become polarized by the extreme leadership. A Democracy’s citizens have everything they need to live a healthy life and make something of themselves and should have no reason to embrace jealousy and hatred of extremism. Ultimately the citizen makes the country. There are some very rare cases of factions that form within Democracies that hold a specific agenda. These factions really do nothing more than stir up the opinion of the public through their protest. Rarely do these factions become violent or organized enough to enforce their agenda onto the world through acts of terror. Do I agree with Benazir Bhutto? Yes and no. I honestly feel that all people of the world should live freely and allowed to flourish in society. I think that someone should be able to see a doctor if they are sick or with cancer. I do not believe that government should put itself before its people, at any given time! I think that there should be no person that starves and lives under a bridge wondering what tomorrow is going to be like. And the one thing I think that Democracy cannot cure is extremism of any aspect of society. There will always be someone who is not happy with their way of life and will resort to an extreme ideals and methods.

Effect of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Brain Functions

Effect of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Brain Functions Cannabis Use During Adolescence: A Review of Impacts on Brain Functions and Associated Outcomes Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the social acceptability of cannabis usage in the United States, with several states having already legalized recreational use of the substance and several more projected to do so within the next several years (Leyton, 2016).   Concurrently, there has been an increase in the amount of adolescents who report using cannabis, with recent data indicating that 39% of high school seniors report using cannabis within the past year and 6-7% reporting daily or near daily cannabis use (Johnston & O’Malley, 2015).   Despite increasing utilization of cannabis products for pain management and other ailments (Hwang & Clarke, 2016), some in the scientific community have expressed concern about the potential ramifications of recreational legalization of cannabis.   Chief amongst these concerns is the idea that adolescents will have very easy access to increasingly potent cannabis and synthetic cannabis products (Sobesky & Gorgens, 2016), as a great deal of research has indicated that the use of cannabis poses several risks specific to individuals in the adolescent age range (see Levine, Clemenza, Rynn, & Lieberman, 2017).   This paper will summarize the research examining the impact of cannabis use on the developing adolescent brain and potential associated outcomes, particularly in the areas of cognition/executive function, anxiety and depression, psychotic disorders, and future substance use/dependence.   The Adolescent Brain To understand the impact of cannabis use on the developing adolescent brain, it is first necessary to understand the changes taking place in the brain during this developmental period.   Not surprisingly, the period of adolescence is a time of tremendous change in the circuitry of the brain.   According to Arain et al. (2013), there is a significant amount of neuronal plasticity in the brain during adolescence, meaning the â€Å"wiring† of the brain is extremely adaptable to learning and experience.   Such plasticity, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, lends itself to difficulty thinking rationally and critically, often leading to the impulsive decision-making that is characteristic of the adolescent years.   In addition, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, the system responsible for regulating human responses to stress, also undergoes significant development during the period of adolescence.   Within this system, the amount and duration of adrenocorti cotropic hormone (ACTH) and glucocorticoids released in response to stress increase significantly as compared to other life periods (Romeo, 2013).   Shortly before puberty, a â€Å"surge† of synaptogenesis and neuronal growth occurs in which grey matter in the brain thickens substantially.   From this point throughout the period of adolescence, the brain is continually rewired through dendritic pruning and increased myelination of synapses, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (Arain et al., 2013; Lubman, Bonomo, & Yucel, 2007).   In addition, white matter increases are seen in the corpus callosum (Arain et al., 2013).   Taken together, these changes increase the efficiency of communication within the brain, allowing for the eventual development of more complex cognitive functioning, including improved impulse control, operational thinking, and working memory (Hart, 2007; Lubman et al., 2007).   In addition to the constant rewiring of brain circuitry that occurs during adolescence, the levels of three neurotransmitters – dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin – change during the adolescent period (Arain et al., 2013).   According to Dahl (2003), dopamine and serotonin levels decrease during adolescence, resulting in emotional dysregulation, mood disruptions, and difficulties with impulse control.   Melatonin levels, on the other hand, increase, which in turn increases the amount of sleep that adolescents need to be fully â€Å"re-charged.†Ã‚     Given the massive changes that are occurring in the brain during the period of adolescence, it is a time in which the brain is especially susceptible to the use of substances, (Lubman et al., 2007) including cannabis.   Cannabis’ Action in the Brain Before discussing the specific impacts of cannabis use on the adolescent brain, it is important to understand how cannabis acts in the brain in general.   First, the brain has an endogenous cannabinoid system (endocannabinoid system) made up of the ligands anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2 receptors (Moreira & Lutz, 2008).   CB1 receptors are located throughout the brain, but are particularly populous in the front region of the cerebral cortex, the basal ganglia, the cerebellum, the hypothalamus, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the hippocampus; CB2 receptors are generally found throughout the body’s immune system (Hill et al., 2010; Iversen, 2004).   The endocannabinoid system plays a role in a number of processes, including the regulation of the HPA axis stress response (Hill et al., 2010; Lee & Gorzalka, 2015), neural plasticity, and learning and memory (Lu et al., 2008).   According to Iversen (2004), the psychoactive component in cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).   THC, as well as increasingly popular synthetic cannabinoids, act as agonists on CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain.   Because CB1 receptors are generally presynaptic rather than postsynaptic, cannabinoids control the release of certain neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, L-glutamate, ÃŽ ³-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline (norepinephrine), dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT).   The use of exogenous cannabinoids, such as marijuana or synthetic marijuana products, leads to an unnaturally long-lasting activation of CB1 receptors, ultimately inhibiting the release of the aforementioned neurotransmitters in selected areas of the brain (Iversen, 2004).   In addition to its impact on CB1 receptors and associated neurotransmitters, THC also appears to trigger the firing of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the brain and the nucleus accumbens – areas of the brain that are heavily implicated in the brain’s reward circuit associated with drug use.   This effect is also seen with heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine, suggesting that THC may also act on the opioid receptor system within the brain (Iversen, 2004). Impact on Cognition and Executive Function Tasks The literature has focused on several larger areas of impact regarding cannabis use during adolescence, one of these being the potential impacts on cognition and tasks of executive function.   As previously mentioned, the brain undergoes a significant amount of change in the adolescent years, including the frequent re-wiring of neural connections through neural pruning processes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.   According to Filbey, McQueeny, DeWitt, and Mishra (2015), cannabis use during adolescence disrupts this normal pruning process through its modulation of neurotransmitters and inhibition of microglial processes.   This results in abnormal connectivity within the brain, including a decrease in white matter volume and integrity (Gruber, Dahlgren, Sagar, Gonenc, & Lukas, 2014; Jacobus et al., 2009). Such changes result in a number of cognitive impacts, including increased impulsivity, poorer reaction times, and increased errors on executive function tasks (e.g., planning, organization, self-regulation, etc.) (Becker, Wagner, Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, Spuentrup, & Daumann, 2010; Gruber et al., 2014).   Indeed, studies have indicated that individuals who begin marijuana use in early adolescence are at an increased risk for developing deficits in attention (Ehrenreich et al., 1999) and visual processing (Tapert, Granholm, Leedy, & Brown, 2002), and exhibit a decreased full scale IQ and verbal IQ in adulthood (Meier et al., 2012).   Memory also appears to be affected by adolescent-onset cannabis use (Tait, Mackinnon, & Christensen, 2011), likely via its impact on the hippocampus – a part of the brain heavily implicated in memory functions.   Animal research has shown that the hippocampus is affected by cannabis use especially during the period of adolescence.   In rats, adolescent exposure to cannabis impacted the microstructure of the hippocampus as well as abnormalities in the way that proteins are expressed in the hippocampus (Quinn et al., 2008).   Specifically, it appears that exogenous cannabinoids bind to CB1 receptors and inhibit the release of glutamate, thus contributing to deficits in short-term memory (Hart, 2007) and negatively impacting performance on memory-related tasks (see Levine et al., 2017).   Some animal studies indicate that lower levels of cannabis use (those most reflective of the actual amount that adolescents use) are not predictive of long-lasting hippocampal changes.   However, because current cannabis products are continuing to increase in potency (Levine et al., 2017), hippocampal changes and subsequent memory problems are topics of concern, especially with regard to adolescent users of cannabis.   Working memory also appears to be impacted by cannabis use, particularly in individuals that began using cannabis before the age of sixteen.   Becker et al. (2010) used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine performance on a working memory task in individuals who began using cannabis before age sixteen (early-onset) as compared to individuals who began using cannabis after the age of sixteen (later-onset).   Results of this study indicated that early-onset cannabis users exhibited increased cortical activity in the parietal lobe as compared to later-onset cannabis users.   The researchers concluded that this increased cortical activity indicated decreased cortical efficiency in response to challenging working memory-related tasks in early-onset, but not later-onset, cannabis users (Becker et al., 2010).   Such findings are consistent with a number of studies indicating that an earlier age of onset of cannabis use is associated with greater risk of negative impacts on cognitive functioning during adulthood (Ehrenreich et al., 1999; Fontes et al., 2011; Meier et al., 2012; Pope et al., 2003).   Impact on the Development of Anxiety and Depression Several studies indicate a connection between adolescent-onset cannabis use and the development of both anxiety and depressive disorders (e.g., Brook, Rosen, & Brook, 2001; Degenhardt et al., 2013; Fairman, 2015; Hayatbakhsh et al., 2007; Patton et al., 2002; van Laar, van Dorsselaer, Monshouwer, & de Graaf, 2007).   Though past researchers have speculated about the directionality of this relationship, studies have consistently indicated that adolescent-onset depression is not predictive of later cannabis use (e.g., Degenhardt, Hall, & Lynskey, 2003; Moore et al., 2007; Womack, Shaw, Weaver, & Forbes, 2016), negating the idea that depressive and/or anxiety symptoms lead to engagement in cannabis use as a method of symptom relief.   Instead, such findings promote the idea that cannabis use during adolescence, in combination with other potential risk factors, increase the risk for the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms in adulthood (Levine et al., 2017).   As with the cognitive changes discussed in the previous section of this paper, it is early-onset use of cannabis that appears to be riskiest with regard to the development of future anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hayatbakhsh et al., 2007; Patton et al., 2002).   In an interesting study by Spechler et al. (2015), fMRIs were used to examine activity in the amygdalas of adolescent users of cannabis.   The researchers showed participants images of both angry and neutral faces, a well-known test of amygdala activity and a well-regarded index of emotional processing.   Results of this study indicated that compared to the control group, adolescent cannabis users exhibited increased amygdala activity in response to the images of angry faces whereas the control group showed the same amount of amygdala activity when shown images of neutral faces.   Spechler et al. (2015) concluded that adolescent cannabis use is associated with increased hypersensitivity to negative affect.   However, in this case, the directionality of the relationship is unclear: it is possible that the sensitivity of the amygdala pre-dated the cannabis use and the cannabis use was engaged in due to its anxiolytic effect.   Conversely, it is possible that cannabis use led to increased sensitivity in the amygdala.   Either way, it appears that adolescent cannabis users are overly sensitive to negative affect and the potential threat that accompanies it, which may explain the increased incidence of depressive and anxious symptomatology in this population.    There are several potential neurobiological mechanisms explaining the relationship between adolescent cannabis use and the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms.   One possibility is the impact of exogenous cannabinoids on the HPA axis system.   The endocannabinoid system regulates the responsivity of the HPA axis, which, as previously mentioned, undergoes significant development during the adolescent years (Hill et al., 2010; Lee & Gorzalka, 2015; Romeo, 2013).   Studies with both human and rodent subjects have indicated that the use of exogenous cannabinoids during adolescence has the capacity to alter HPA axis stress responses, thus impacting emotionality and the development of anxiety-related symptoms (Lee & Gorzalka, 2015).   Lovelace et al. (2015) discuss another neurobiological mechanism that may underlie the relationship between adolescent cannabis use and the development of anxiety and depression.   In a rodent study, these researchers examined maladaptations in the prefrontal cortex due to cannabis use by looking at presynaptic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses in adolescent rats.   The results indicated that exposure to exogenous cannabinoids during adolescence led to over-activation of CB1 receptors, which led to permanent changes in synapses in the prefrontal cortex.   Overall, mice exposed to exogenous cannabinoids during adolescence showed a loss of presynaptic plasticity, which impacts the brain’s ability to adapt to changing environments and thus may contribute to an increased vulnerability of psychopathology during adulthood (Lovelace et al., 2015).   In an interesting rodent study conducted by Rubino et al. (2008), researchers found that exposure to THC during adolescence was associated with decreased density and function of CB1 receptors in the ventral tegmental area, the nucleus accumbens, and the amygdala.   These areas of the brain are implicated in emotional processing and reward and are thus implicated in the development of depressive symptomatology.   The behavior of the rats in this study also mirrored depressive symptomatology.   Specifically, rats exposed to THC during adolescence exhibited both â€Å"behavioral despair† (which the researchers defined as time the rats were immobile) and anhedonia (as measured through decreased consumption of sucrose).   Taken together, it appears that several neurobiological mechanisms are at play in the connection between adolescent cannabis use and the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms.   Impact on the Development of Psychotic Disorders A substantial body of literature has indicated a connection between the use of cannabis during adolescence and the later development of psychotic disorders (e.g., van Os et al., 2002; Henquet et al., 2005; Stefanis et al., 2004).   This is especially true for individuals who are already genetically predisposed to develop psychotic disorders (Henquet et al., 2005) though the connection has also been found in individuals that do not have this genetic predisposition (van Os et al., 2002).   As with the impact on cognition and on anxiety/depressive symptoms, it appears that early-onset cannabis use (Arseneault et al., 2002; Moore et al., 2007) as well as heavier (i.e. daily or near-daily) use pose the greatest risk for the later development of a psychotic disorder (Moore et al., 2007; van Os et al., 2002). Rubino and Parolaro (2014) discuss the possible neurobiological mechanisms behind the connection between adolescent cannabis use and the development of psychotic disorders.   In general, it appears that the use of exogenous cannabinoids during adolescence disrupts the maturational processes occurring in the brain during this time, especially in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex – two areas of the brain that are implicated in the psychotic disorder schizophrenia, in particular.   The endocannabinoid system itself undergoes a significant amount of change during the adolescent years; thus, exogenous cannabinoid exposure during this time period has the potential to alter the long-term functionality of CB1 receptors, which then impacts the activity of several neurotransmitters implicated in psychotic symptomatology, especially dopamine (Rubino & Parolaro, 2014). Additionally, being exposed to cannabis during the adolescent period has been shown to disrupt prepulse inhib ition (the ability to accurately perceive and process stimuli) and down-regulate GABAergic activity in the prefrontal cortex – both symptoms commonly seen in individuals with schizophrenia (Morales-Muà ±oz et al., 2014; Zamberletti et al., 2014).  Ã‚   As previously mentioned, individuals who have a genetically predisposed vulnerability to develop psychotic disorders are at an especially high risk to do so if they engage in cannabis use during adolescence (Henquet et al., 2005).   For example, individuals who have a specific variant of the gene for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which breaks down dopamine – the neurotransmitter implicated in schizophrenia – are at a much higher risk for developing the disorder if they used cannabis during adolescence as compared to individuals who do not have that specific variant of the gene for COMT (Caspi et al., 2005).   Another gene that influences the relationship between adolescent cannabis use and psychosis is the ATK1 gene, which affects dopamine breakdown in the striatum.   According to DiForti et al. (2012), cannabis users with a certain variant of the ATK1 gene were seven times more likely to develop psychosis as compared to individuals with this gene variant w ho did not use cannabis.   Clearly, in individuals that already possess these specific genetic variants, cannabis use during adolescence can be the trigger that leads to the expression of these genes and the development of psychotic symptoms and/or disorders.   In addition, adults with psychotic disorders who used cannabis during adolescence are at a greater risk for relapse of psychotic symptoms, poorer adherence to treatment, and increased rates of hospitalization related to their diagnosis (Hunt, Bergen, & Bashir, 2002; Lewis, Tarrier, & Drake, 2005; Wade et al., 2006).   Impact on the Future Development of Substance Use Disorders   Several studies have indicated a link between adolescent cannabis use and the later development of a substance use disorder.   Again, this relationship is especially strong for individuals that engage in cannabis use in early adolescence and who engage in heavy (i.e., daily or near-daily) use (Fergusson, Boden, & Horwood, 2006; Hall & Lynskey, 2005; Stuart & Green, 2008).  Ã‚   Past researchers have speculated upon various explanations for this trend, including the so-called ‘gateway hypothesis.’   In general, the ‘gateway hypothesis’ assumes that individuals who use â€Å"harder† drugs such as heroin and cocaine almost always started their use of substances with using cannabis, and that this link is explicitly causal (Van Gundy & Rebellon, 2010).  Ã‚   This hypothesis is based on research findings indicating that the use of cannabis during adolescence often predates the use of other illicit substances, including heroin, methamphetamines, and cocaine (Fergusson et al., 2006).   Though the causality of this link has been repeatedly questioned in the literature (e.g., Morral, McCaffrey, & Paddock, 2002; Van Gundy & Rebellon, 2010), many researchers have attempted to explain the mechanisms behind the early use of cannabis and the later use of other substances and/or development of a substance use disorder.   There are countless potential psychosocial explanations for this connection (e.g., peer pressure, propensity toward risk-taking behaviors, availability of substances, etc.); however, for the purposes of this paper, the potential neurobiological mechanisms behind the connection will be discussed. The major possible neurobiological mechanism behind the connection between early cannabis use and the later development of a substance use disorder has to do with the effect of cannabis on the brain’s opioidergic system.   A great deal of animal research has indicated that the endocannabinoid system and the opioidergic system are intricately linked.   For example, Pickel, Chan, Kash, Rodriguez, and Mackie (2004) and Rodriguez, Mackie, and Pickel (2001) found that CB1 receptors and  µ opioid receptors are found on the same neurons in both the striatum and the ventral tegmental area, and Cossu et al. (2001) and Ledent et al. (1999) found that animals without CB1 receptor genes do not self-administer opioids. Drawing upon this clear connection between the endocannabinoid and opioidergic brain systems, Ellgren, Spano, and Hurd (2007) investigated the hypothesis that cannabis exposure during adolescence changes opioid-related neural functions and leads to increased likelihood of later opioid use.   Findings of this research confirmed that rats exposed to THC during the adolescent period self-administered greater amounts of heroin compared to the control group.   Moreover, findings indicated that rats exposed to THC in adolescence showed a persistent disturbance in the activity of enkephalin, which is the endogenous opioid neuropeptide associated with reward behaviors and hedonic states.   Findings also indicated that THC exposure led to changes in the functions of  µ opioid receptors such that heroin use was more reinforcing (via dopamine release) for rats exposed to THC during adolescence as compared to the control group.   Taken together, these results indicate that cannabis use during adolescence leads to a greater vulnerability to the reinforcing effects of opioids during adulthood, potentially leading to a greater risk for dependence and likelihood of relapse of substance use disorders.   Conclusion Despite the increasing popularity of cannabis use, both for medicinal and recreational purposes (Hwang & Clarke, 2016; Leyton, 2016), it is important to consider the resulting increased availability of cannabis to individuals during the sensitive period of adolescence.   Given the profound changes occurring in the brain during adolescence (Arain et al., 2013; Dahl, 2003; Hart, 2007; Lubman et al., 2007), teenagers are particularly susceptible to the influence of substances, which may lead to lasting changes in the brain’s functioning.   Such changes are associated with poor outcomes in several areas, including deficits in performance on executive function tasks (Becker et al., 2010; Ehrenreich et al., 1999; Fontes et al., 2011; Gruber et al., 2014; Meier et al., 2012; Pope et al., 2003; Tapert et al., 2002), an increased risk for the development of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms (Brook et al., 2001; Degenhardt et al., 2013; Fairman, 2015; Hayatbakhsh et al., 2007; Patt on et al., 2002; van Laar, van Dorsselaer, Monshouwer, & de Graaf, 2007), an increased risk for the development of a psychotic disorder (Arseneault et al., 2002; Caspi et al., 2005; DiForti et al., 2012; Henquet et al., 2005; Moore et al., 2007; Rubino & Parolaro, 2014; Stefanis et al., 2004; van Os et al., 2002), and an increased risk for future substance use/dependence (Fergusson et al., 2006; Hall & Lynskey, 2005; Stuart & Green, 2008).   Such considerations may have important implications for policy development related to the legalization of cannabis.   References Arain, M., Haque, M., Johal, L., Mathur, P., Nel, W., Rais, A., Sandu, R., & Sharma, S. (2013). Maturation of the adolescent brain. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 9, 13. Retrieved from http://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/docview/1364721614?accountid=11620 Arseneault, L., Cannon, M., Poulton, R., Murray, R., Caspi, A., & Moffitt, T. E. (2002). Cannabis use in adolescence and risk for adult psychosis: longitudinal prospective study.  Bmj,  325(7374), 1212-1213. Retrieved from https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C15&q=Cannabis+use+in+adolescence+and+risk+for+adult+psychosis%3A+longitudinal+prospective+study&btnG= Becker, B., Wagner, D., Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, E., Spuentrup, E., & Daumann, J. (2010). The impact of early-onset cannabis use on functional brain correlates of working memory.  Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry,  34(6), 837-845. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.03.032 Brook, J. S., Rosen, Z., & Brook, D. W. (2001). 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S., Morgan, C., Powell, J., & Murray, R. M. (2012). Confirmation that the AKT1 (rs2494732) genotype influences the risk of psychosis in cannabis users.  Biological Psychiatry,  72(10), 811-816. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.06.020 Ehrenreich, H., Rinn, T., Kunert, H. J., Moeller, M. R., Poser, W., Schilling, L., Gigerenzer, G., & Hoehe, M. R. (1999). Specific attentional dysfunction in adults following early start of cannabis use.  Psychopharmacology,  142(3), 295-301. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002130050892 Ellgren, M., Spano, S. M., & Hurd, Y. L. (2007). Adolescent cannabis exposure alters opiate intake and opioid limbic neuronal populations in adult rats. Neuropsychopharmacology,  32(3), 607-15. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301127 Fairman, B. J. (2015).  Contributions to the epidemiology and mental health consequences of cannabis smoking  (Order No. AAI3619011). Available from PsycINFO. (1664224820; 2015-99040-239). Retrieved from http://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/docview/1664224820?accountid=11620 Fergusson, D. M., Boden, J. M., & Horwood, L. J. (2006). Cannabis use and other illicit drug use: Testing the cannabis gateway hypothesis.  Addiction,  101(4), 556-569. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01322.x Filbey, F. M., McQueeny, T., DeWitt, S. J., & Mishra, V. (2015). Preliminary findings demonstrating latent effects of early adolescent marijuana use onset on cortical architecture. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 16, 16-22. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1016/j.dcn.2015.10.001 Fontes, M. A., Bolla, K. I., Cunha, P. J., Almeida, P. P., Jungerman, F., Laranjeira, R. R., Bressan, R. A., & Lacerda, A. L. T. (2011). Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning.  The British Journal of Psychiatry,  198(6), 442-447. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077479 Gruber, S. 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Medication compliance and comorbid substance abuse in schizophrenia: Impact on community survival 4 years after a relapse.  Schizophrenia Research,  54(3), 253-264. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0920-9964(01)00261-4 Hwang, J. K., & Clarke, H. (2016). Cannabis and pain: A review.  Journal of Pain Management,  9(4), 395-413. Retrieved from http://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1949290907?accountid=11620 Iversen, L. (2004). How cannabis works in the brain. In D. Castle, & R. Murray (Eds.),  Marijuana and madness: Psychiatry and neurobiology; marijuana and madness: Psychiatry and neurobiology  (pp. 19-40, Chapter xvi, 218 Pages) Cambridge University Press, New York, NY. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1017/CBO9780511543630.004 Retrieved from http://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/docview/620584373?accountid=11620\ Jacobus, J., McQueeny, T., Bava, S., Schweinsburg, B. C., Frank, L. R., Yang, T. T., & Tapert, S. F. (2009). White matter integrity in adolescents with histories of marijuana use and binge drinking.  Neurotoxicology and Teratology,  31(6), 349-355. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ntt.2009.07.006 Johnston, L. & O’Malley, P.M. (2015). Monitoring the Future: National Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975-2014. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Drug Abuse, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Ledent, C., Valverde, O., Cossu, G., Petitet, F., Aubert, J. F., Beslot, F., Bohme, G. A., Imperato, A., Pedrazzini, T., Roques, B. P. Vassart, G., Fratta, W., & Parmentier, M. (1999). Unresponsiveness to cannabinoids and reduced addictive effects of opiates in CB1 receptor knockout mice.  Science,  283(5400), 401-404. Lee, T. T. Y., & Gorzalka, B. B. (2015). Evidence for a role of adolescent endocannabinoid signaling in regulating HPA axis stress responsivity and emotional behavior development. In  International review of neurobiology  (Vol. 125, pp. 49-84). Academic Press.   Retrieved from https://www-sciencedirect-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/science/article/pii/S0074774215000987?_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_origin=gateway&_docanchor=&md5=b8429449ccfc9c30159a5f9aeaa92ffb Levine, A., Clemenza, K., Rynn, M., & Lieberman, J. (2017). Evidence for the risks and consequences of adolescent cannabis exposure.  Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,  56(3), 214-225. http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1016/j.jaac.2016.12.014 Retrieved from http://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/docview/1875567972?accountid=11620 Lewis, S. W., Tarrier, N., & Drake, R. J. (2005). Integrating non-drug treatments in early schizophrenia.  The British Journal of Psychiatry,  187, s65-s71. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.187.48.s65 Leyton, M. (2016). Legalizing marijuana. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 41(2), 75-76. http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1503/jpn.160012 Retrieved from http://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/docview/1819128922?accountid=11620 Lovelace, J. W., Corches, A., Vieira, P. A., Hiroto, A. S., Mackie, K., & Korzus, E. (2015). An animal model of female adolescent cannabinoid exposure elicits a long-lasting deficit in presynaptic long-term plasticity.  Neuropharmacology,  99, 242-255. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.04.034 Lu, A. T., Ogdie, M. N., Jà ¤rvelin, M., Moilanen, I. K., Loo, S. K., McCracken, J. T., McGough, J. J., Yang, M. H., Peltonen, L., Nelson, S. F., Cantor, R. M., & Smalley, S. L. (2008). Association of the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) with ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder.  American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics,  147b(8), 1488-1494. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.b.30693 Lubman, D., Bonomo, Y., & Yucel, M. (2007).   Drug use in young people; short-term effects and long-term harms. In Gilvarry, E., & McArdle, P. (Eds.).   Alcohol, Drugs, and Young People: Clinical Approaches, Clinics in Developmental Medicine No. 172. London: Mac Keith Press, pp. 18-50.   Meier, M. H., Caspi, A., Ambler, A., Harrington, H., Houts, R., Keefe, R. S. E., MacDonald, K., Ward, A., Poulton, R., & Moffitt, T. E. (2012). Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife.  PNAS Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America,  109(40), E2657-E2664. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1206820109 Moore, T. H. M., Zammit, S., Lingford-Hughes, A., Barnes, T. R. E., Jones, P. B., Burke, M., & Lewis, G. (2007). Cannabis use and risk of psychotic or affective mental heath outcomes: A systematic review.  The Lancet,  370(9584), 319-328. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61162-3 Morales-Muà ±oz, I., Jurado-Barba, R., Ponce, G., Martà ­nez-Gras, I., à ngel Jimà ©nez-Arriero, M., Moratti, S., & Rubio, G. (2014). Characterizing cannabis-induced psychosis: A study with prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex.  Psychiatry Research,  220(1-2), 535-540. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.08.010 Moreira, F. A., & Lutz, B. (2008). The endocannabinoid system: Emotion, learning and addiction.  Addiction Biology,  13(2), 196-212. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1111/j.1369-1600.2008.00104.x Morral, A. R., McCaffrey, D. F., & Paddock, S. M. (2002). Reassessing the marijuana gateway effect.  Addiction,  97(12), 1493-1504. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1360-0443.2002.00280.x Patton, G. C., Coffey, C., Carlin, J. B., Degenhardt, L., Lynskey, M., & Hall, W. (2002). Cannabis use and mental health in younger people: Cohort study.  BMJ: British Medical Journal,  325(7374), 1195-1198. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1136/bmj.325.7374.1195 Pickel, V. M., Chan, J., Kash, T. L., Rodriguez, J. J., & MacKie, K. (2004). Compartment-specific localization of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and ÃŽ ¼-opioid receptors in rat nucleus accumbens.  Neuroscience,  127(1), 101-112. Pope, H. G., Jr., Gruber, A. J., Hudson, J. I., Cohane, G., Heustis, M. A., & Yurgelun-Todd, D. (2003). Early-onset cannabis use and cognitive deficits: What is the nature of the association?  Drug and Alcohol Dependence,  69(3), 303-310. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1016/S0376-8716(02)00334-4 Quinn, H. R., Matsumoto, I., Callaghan, P. D., Long, L. E., Arnold, J. C., Gunasekaran, N., Thompson, M. R., Dawson, B., Mallet, P. E., Kashem, M. A., Mastuda-Matsumoto, H., Iwazaki, T., & McGregor, I. S. (2008). Adolescent rats find repeated Δ⠁ ¹-THC less aversive than adult rats but display greater residual cognitive deficits and changes in hippocampal protein expression following exposure.Neuropsychopharmacology,  33(5), 1113-1126. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301475 RodrÄ ±ÃŒ guez, J. J., Mackie, K., & Pickel, V. M. (2001). Ultrastructural localization of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in ÃŽ ¼-opioid receptor patches of the rat caudate putamen nucleus.  Journal of Neuroscience,  21(3), 823-833 Romeo, R. D. (2013). The teenage brain: The stress response and the adolescent brain.  Current Directions in Psychological Science,  22(2), 140-145. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0963721413475445 Rubino, T., & Parolaro, D. (2014). Cannabis abuse in adolescence and the risk of psychosis: A brief review of the preclinical evidence.  Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry,  52, 41-44. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.07.020 Rubino, T., Realini, N., Guidali, C., Braida, D., Capurro, V., Castiglioni, C., & Parolaro, D. (2008). Chronic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol during adolescence provokes sex-dependent changes in the emotional profile in adult rats: behavioral and biochemical correlates.  Neuropsychopharmacology,  33(11), 2760. Sobesky, M., & Gorgens, K. (2016). Cannabis and adolescents: Exploring the substance misuse treatment provider experience in a climate of legalization. International Journal of Drug Policy, 33, 66-74. http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.02.008 Retrieved from http://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/docview/1813639780?accountid=11620 Spechler, P. A., Orr, C. A., Chaarani, B., Kan, K., Mackey, S., Morton, A., Snowe, M. P., Hudson, K. E., Althoff, R. R., Higgins, S. T., Cattrell, A., Flor, H., Nees, F., Banaschewski, T., Bokde, A. L. W., Whelan, R., Buchel, C., Bromburg, U., Conrod, P., Frouin, V., Papadopoulous, D., Gallinat, J., Heinz, A., Walter, H., Ittermann, B., Gowland, P., Paus, T., Poustka, L., Martinot, J., Artiges, E., Smolka, M. N., Schumann, G., & Garavan, H. (2015). Cannabis use in early adolescence: Evidence of amygdala hypersensitivity to signals of threat.  Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience,  16, 63-70. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2015.08.007 Stefanis, N. C., Delespaul, P., Henquet, C., Bakoula, C., Stefanis, C. N., & Van Os, J. (2004). Early adolescent cannabis exposure and positive and negative dimensions of psychosis.  Addiction,  99(10), 1333-1341. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2004.00806.x Stuart, E. A., & Green, K. M. (2008). Using full matching to estimate causal effects in nonexperimental studies: Examining the relationship between adolescent marijuana use and adult outcomes.  Developmental Psychology,  44(2), 395-406. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.44.2.395 Tait, R. J., Mackinnon, A., & Christensen, H. (2011). Cannabis use and cognitive function: 8†year trajectory in a young adult cohort.  Addiction,  106(12), 2195-2203. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03574.x Tapert, S. F., Granholm, E., Leedy, N. G., & Brown, S. A. (2002). Substance use and withdrawal: Neuropsychological functioning over 8 years in youth.  Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society,  8(7), 873-883. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1355617702870011 Van Gundy, K., & Rebellon, C. J. (2010). A life-course perspective on the gateway hypothesis.  Journal of Health and Social Behavior,  51(3), 244-59. Retrieved from http://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/755695027?accountid=11620 van Laar, M., van Dorsselaer, S., Monshouwer, K., & de Graaf, R. (2007). Does cannabis use predict the first incidence of mood and anxiety disorders in the adult population?  Addiction,  102(8), 1251-1260. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.01875.x Van Os, J., Bak, M., Hanssen, M., Bijl, R. V., De Graaf, R., & Verdoux, H. (2002). Cannabis use and psychosis: a longitudinal population-based study.  American journal of epidemiology,  156(4), 319-327.   doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwf043 Wade, D., Harrigan, S., Edwards, J., Burgess, P. M., Whelan, G., & McGorry, P. D. (2006). Course of substance misuse and daily tobacco use in first-episode psychosis.  Schizophrenia Research,  81(2-3), 145-150. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2005.09.010 Womack, S. R., Shaw, D. S., Weaver, C. M., & Forbes, E. E. (2016). 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Prison: Impact And Effects

Prison: Impact And Effects Jump to:  Theories of New Punitiveness | The Effect of Prison on the Family | The Effect of Prison on the Community  |  Conclusion Currently, the impact and effects of imprisonment, which is a means of social control, are increasingly becoming various and noticeable. This essay will first focus on the concept and the different models of social control. Then social functions, official aims of imprisonment and an example of a prison population crisis will be respectively examined in relation to sociological theories, new punitiveness and political economy, which are three main influences on imprisonment. Finally, the negative impact of imprisonment on both families and communities will be shown. Imprisonment as a concept of social control has a long history. In nineteenth century, social control paid more attention to both connecting sociology to political philosophy and settling the controversial discussions of macro-sociology (Janowitz, 1975, cited in Cohen and Scull, 1983). Social control, at that time, solved a great number of complicated issues, but the purely coercive controls were not widely used (Cohen and Scull, 1983). During the twentieth century, the social control, even sociology was to be a point of view and method for investigating the processes by which individuals are inducted to and induced to co-operate in some sort of permanent corporate existence we call society (Park and Burgess, 1924, cited in Cohen and Scull, 1983, p5). Indeed, the alteration of the process that inducted the individual into society had great benefits on social control. Additionally, at present, the concept of social control is basically defined as: any structure, process, relationship, or act that contributes to the social order (Liska, A.E, 1992, p3). Currently, there are three regulatory models of social control. The first model is custodial institution, which is established on the theories of social order and punishment and the police and prisons are the representative organizations of this model. In addition, community care, such as welfare agencies and halfway house, are also important methods of social control. In particularly, the custodial institution and community care create formal methods because of the rules, law and rehabilitation, they base on. The third model, which is informal, is called self and mutual help, such as social pressure and peer group. Less formal face to face controls are considered in this model (David and Stasz, 1990). Overall, social control uses the ways of punishment, prevention and rehabilitation in order to solve deviant, threatening and disorder behaviours. In particular, imprisonment is one of the highly used means of social control in form of punishment. There are three factors that strongly influence the development of imprisonment. Firstly, some theories of punishment as control have emerged. In Gramscis theory, the most important things for capitalist society in the revolutionary struggle are the superstructure of ideology, law and politics. Hegemony, which means that one class is convinced to accept other classes moral, political and cultural values, is his central idea. Additionally, Althusser improved the work of Gramsi. He introduced a penal system in the Repressive State Apparatus (RSA), which includes the police, the courts and the prison. However, he claimed that the functions of RSA are not only to coerce, but there are also ideological functions, such as to reproduce personal values. Distinguished from RSA, Althusser established Ideological State Apparatuses (ISA). He put some overlooked parts of the state in this mechanis m, such as educational system, the media and political parties (Cavadino and Dignan, 2007). What is more, Foucalt, who created the phrase carceral archipelago to show western liberal democracies closely in touch with forms of oppression, argued in Discipline and Punish (1977) that: the emergence of the prison does not make a more humanitarian form of punishment, instead it represents an attempt to punish more efficiently and extensively to create a disciplined society (cited in Carrabine et al, 2009, p362). Furthermore, the English historian E.P.Thompson indicated that law, as well as penalty, can be found at every bloody level. However, if the law is unjust, the classs hegemony will benefit nothing from that. (Cavadino and Dignan, 2007). Those sociological theories, particularly Foucaults great confinement that: institution of various kinds came to be adopted as the solution to a wide range of social problems (Cavadino and Dignan, 2007, p194), shows that imprisonment has its social functions. Mathiesen, a Norwegian penologist, suggests that there are five social functions which demonstrate that imprisonment is still the dominant way of punishment. He calls the first function the expurgatory function. Many of people in prisons are homeless, abused and suffering from mental illness as Cavadino and Dignan (2007) researched and therefore regarded as unproductive and disruptive. They are routinely being put into prisons so as to prevent society from various damages. The second function is called the power-draining function. Apart from preventing prisoners from being involved in the normal society, the prisoners are also: denied the opportunity to exercise responsibility (Cavadino and Dignan, 2007, p195). Minimal practical contributions is the function that is considered when the prisons were designed. Thirdly, prisoners easily isolate themselves from society, because of the shame of having been imprisoned. This is called, by Mathiesen, symbolic function. It shows the effect that those prisoners are a smaller risk to society after being released. The fourth function, related to the third one, is called the diverting function. Mathiesen (cited in Cavadino and Dignan, 2007, p195) claims in his book that: socially dangerous acts are increasingly being committed by individuals and classes with power in society. However, the fact is that the heavy-handed of prisons are highly used to the lower working class offenders. Hereby social attention is diverted from more serious social harm committed by the groups in power. For instance, acts of pollution and eco-systems destruction. Finally, Mathiesen identifies the fifth social function as the action function. Because it is the most serious means of social cont rol, prisons play a vital role in reducing the publics fear of crime. However, Cavadino and Dignan (2007, p196) argue that the imprisonment functions that Mathiesen suggests are not that efficient: there is also a heavy price to be paid, not only in terms of resources and human suffering, but also in managing the increasing tensions that are associated with the steady enduring penal crisis. Theories of New Punitiveness Secondly, in recent decades, new punitiveness, which means a general rise in the severity of punishment, has become a notable penal trend around the world. Essentially, the aim of new punitiveness is to make offenders suffer. At present, the imprisonment rate, which is a measure of harshness of punishment, has increased in nearly three fourths of countries all over the world. Undoubtedly, the United States has led this new trend, because the prison population and imprisonment rates in this country are the highest in the world and where numbers of prisoners have quintupled since the early 1970s (Cavadino and Dignan, 2007, P84). Meanwhile, this punitiveness is connected with populist punitiveness whose policies and slogans, for instance, zero tolerance, three strikes and prison works are a far-reaching influence on policy-making, particularly penal policies. Definitely, it represents this penal trend: new punitiveness. (Garland, 2007) New punitiveness is connected with the official aims of using imprisonment that results in increasing use of prisons. Deterrence and retribution to offenders were the primary aims of imprisonment in the nineteenth century. However, during this period, the prisoners were still possible to return back to society and those ideas were treated as official policy. Additionally, although in the 1970s, the rehabilitation ideal collapsed, rehabilitation was reintroduced and became an important aim in penal practices in the late 1990s, especially in the UK Criminal Justice System. The current aims of rehabilitation are not only reforming prisoners characters, but more importantly to prevent them from reoffending (HCHAC, 2004). At present, the UK Prison Service states as its official aims: to reduce the risk of reoffending, hold prisoners securely and provide safety (Cavadino and Dignan, 2007). However, practically, all of the three aims are lamentable. Considering the first aim, Shepherd and W hitings (2006) figures indicate that imprisonment is unsuccessful in preventing reoffending: two-thirds of all prisoners are reconvicted within two years of being released, and for young men aged 18-20, the figure is 74.8% (cited in Cavadino and Dignan, 2007, p193). Reoffending is worse than a decade ago, when according to the Home Office just 70% of offenders under 21 were reconvicted for a crime (Home Office, 1999). Secondly, to hold prisoners securely, does not only mean to prevent their safety, but also to keep them from escaping. Although, currently, the Prison Service and governments are paying more attention to lessen the rates of absconding, the escapes from prisons have become periodic (Cavadino and Dignan, 2007). Therefore, it is hard for the Prison Service to achieve the third aim that is to provide safety. Prisoners escapes will increase anxiety and fear within general public. Cavadino and Dignan (2007, p193) claim that: there is   a very long way to go before it can claim to be providing safe, well-ordered establishments in which prisoners are treated humanly, decently and lawfully. Thirdly, the political economy, particularly the welfare system, plays a vital role in causing different imprisonment rates among various countries and it can revealingly explain the reason of the rise of new punishment. There are three key categories. Firstly, at present, Neo-liberalism, which means free-market capitalism, exists in the US, Britain and Australia. The welfare state, under this ethos that individualism is more important than communitarianism, is minimalist. Cavadino and Dignan (2007, P86) argues that: the economic system creates much material inequality, which results in the social exclusion of many people and communities. Secondly, the welfare benefits in conservative corporatist countries whose collectivism is more important, such as Germany, are more generous than Neo-liberal countries. The citizens in those countries get better protection against unusual market forces and products. However, it is still not equality and it is shown in Cavadino and Dignans (2007, P8 6) book: their welfare states enshrine and perpetuate traditional class, status and economic division between different groups of citizens who are entitled to different levels of welfare benefits. Thirdly, the more equal and generous welfare states are social democratic countries, such as Sweden. Although they share conservative corporatisms communitarian approach, their systems are the most egalitarian ones among those three kinds of countries. Walnsleys (2005) research on imprisonment rates which shows that the rates in all neo-liberal countries are the highest, while the lowest rates are in social democratic countries, definitely confirms this theory. Undoubtedly, the United States is a typical example which shows the rise of the new punitiveness as a neo-liberal country. The quote: overcrowded conditions in our prisons have become a national crisis (cited in Matthews and Francis, 1996, p22) informs that this crisis has extended to almost all federals states and locals communities. Maguire and Pastore (1994) suggested that during 1968 to 1978, the prisoners in federal state prisons increased by over 1000000, from 187914 to 294396. Although many concerns have been took to the crisis, between 1980 to 1990, the number of state and federal inmates had more than doubled to over 7000000, and in 1994 this population surpassed the one million mark (Office of Criminal Justice Service, 1995, p72). There are three factors that contribute to the dramatic increase in prisoner population. Firstly, the increase of inmate population reflects the high rates of crimes (Lynch, 1995). However, in return, the crime rates are not equal to the increment in prison population. According to FBI data the crime rates did not increase sharply in the last few decades. Blumstein (1995, cited in Matthews and Francis, 1996, p30) concluded that: it is very unlikely that the growth in prison population was a consequence of a growing crime rate. Secondly, the US has a long-drawn campaign to get tough with crime. Whatever the elected official is, the politics, from mandatory minimum prison sentences, to restrictions on parole release, to three strikes and you are out law, are aimed at putting more offenders in prison and for a lengthier stay (Skolnick, 1994, cited in Matthews and Francis, 1996, p30). Thirdly, in the 1980s, the war on drugs, which aimed to punish drug offences by using criminal law, contributed to the increase of prison populations. Only 10% of the prison populations were occupied by drug offenders, while this figure had doubled in 1989. Blumstein (1995) conducted a study, which pointed out that: 44% of this increase in prison p opulations between 1986 and 1991 could be attributed to the boom in the number of offenders imprisoned for drug offences (cited in Matthews and Francis, 1996, p31). Furthermore, there are some other solutions that the US has implemented. For instance, creating capacity, which means to build more prisons to house all prisoners; and intermediate punishment, which aims to get tough in the community as a punishment. However, Matthews and Francis (1996) argued the barriers as follows: theories of reducing the crowding crisis remain mainly academic exercises with little prospect of substantively affecting the extent of the crisis, ideas on reducing prison crowding are judged too dangerous because their endorsement would expose elected officials to charges of being soft on crime. (p31-32)   The Effect of Prison on the Family Obviously, imprisonment has lots of bad effects on families. Firstly, those families, whose member is in prison, will lose respect in the community. Clear (2009, p128) cites an experience of a participant in his book: neighborhood residents not only look at the specific offender but also the entire family, and if one has offended, all of a sudden they are not the most respected, even from the church. Secondly, parental imprisonment results in financial problems, especially if the man of the family is in prison. Those families lose a productive member, thus they lose income, because the partners imprisonment will probably influence the employment of the woman, and the ability of a male support the family is higher than the females (Clear, 2009). Thirdly, the most significant influence is on children. Actually, the effects of imprisonment on children start at the arrest of their parent. They are shocked, fearful and confused when witnessing their parents being arrested. As Van Nijantte n (1998) points out: the way the father was removed in handcuffs or with a bag over his head, are sensations the child will never forget (p82). Parental imprisonment has a psychological influence on children. A majority of researches have found that children, whose parents are in prison, are more likely to show the depression, hyperactivity, clinging behaviour, sleep problems, truancy and poor school grades. (Murray, 2005). While, other studies revealed that those children have a higher risk of showing bad behaviour or experience imprisonment (Johnston, 1995). Farrington et al (1996, cited in Codd, 2008. p73) also support this idea that: children who are brought up by parents, who are offenders, particularly if they are imprisonment, have been argued to be more likely to go on to offend. However, parental imprisonment still has benefits for some children. Eddy and Reid (2003), suggest that the quality of positive parenting will rise, because their parents may take more time out on t he street and send them to a caregiver or local care organisations, which will results in less significant problems for those children. The Effect of Prison on the Community Similarly, imprisonment has several effects on the communities. First of all, stigma sometimes will transfer from families to communities. Although some residents say that they do not mind and even celebrate it when the prisoners come back to the community, the stigma, especially if more serious crimes are committed in the community, will inevitably influence the whole community. For example, residents may be reluctant to be out on the street at night in their areas or to take part in activities (Clear, 2009). Secondly, the economic situation of the community is seriously affected by the imprisonment, because of the stigma. There is a fact that residents are concerned more about living surroundings. If there are a number of people with criminal records in the community it can lead to lower property values. Meanwhile, the businesses in such places noted that fewer customers enter their premises. Clear (2009) discusses those two ideas: the areas bad reputation means that large corporat ions do not locate their business in these neighbourhood; and housing prices are diminished because, when residents flee, they sell their houses for whatever they can get, often at a reduced price. This reflects the value of the community (p135). Thirdly, prisoners are always full of hope when returning back to their community. However, they soon feel low self-worth and self-esteem, because the communities stigmatise them. Consequently, they will do nothing to contribute to the communities and feel thats just the way I am, which may very likely lead them to reoffend. As a participants responses in Clears research show (2009, p138): if you treat me more like a human being, I will act more like human being, if you treat me more like an animal, Im going to act more like an animal. Last but not least, even if residents show a welcome to prisoners, those people from prisons actually increase the fear of crime in communities. Another participant in the same study says he is worried about his son when he is working, because of having a former prisoner as a next door neighbour. Other residents express the same fears. They are cited in Clears (2009, p142) book: one resident said that if someone with a criminal records moved in next door to her home, she might do a background check. Another said he was going to watch him'. Overall, those accumulated impacts on the community can be fierce. Conclusion In conclusion, imprisonment plays a vital role as a means of social control. Although in some countries, such as the US, the overcrowded prisons have become a pressing problem that needs to be addressed urgently, because of its valuable social functions and coincidence with official aims, imprisonment is widely used around the world. However, the negative effects on families, especially on children who are economically and mentally greatly affected and suffer when their parents are imprisoned; and communities whose economies and social anxiousness are seriously influenced, should not be neglected. It may negate the development of imprisonment

Montana :: essays research papers

MONTANA BY LARRY WATSON EXTENDEND REPSONSE. 1) In his twelfth year, David discovers the pain of growing up- the fragmentation of the secure world of the innocent though the awareness of truths and realities around him. Discuss. ESSAY In the text Montana by Larry Watson, it is evident that they 12 year old David is growing up. He is a typical 12 year old, loving outdoors, riding his horse, fishing, hunting and exploring (Quote page 23), but by the influences and family around him he has a painful, confusing growing up life. As David an only child, he was not the only one that is growing up. In a way his family are still growing, learning from every part of past and present issues. David’s growing up has a lot of different influences. His father Wes is not a typically loving father. His fatherly love is harming David in a way to believe different in him and his self. Wes, David’s father, has a lot of responsibilities to cover, as he is the Mercer County sheriff. This makes David believe to look after him self and be responsible in a way to show and prove his father, as he disappoints David. (Quote page 17) Even though Wes is the sheriff he is a quite and self-effacing male who puts him self down and this shows that he isn’t the typical male stereotype of a Montana Sheriff. As the Hayden’s were well known and had heaps of power in Bentrock, David realises that he is respected because of his name, not because of himself. He didn’t have to earn it. (Quote page 126). David becomes aware of this when he is going to the grocery store, and that the locals didn’t know what was happening to his family of power. The citizens of Bentrock didn’t know that his father had arrested his own brother for sexually assaulting his patients, and murdering Marie. (Quote page 127) David had shame over his family name. Frank, Wes’ brother and David’s Uncle, has a great influence on David’s growing up. Frank shows his heroism and successfulness and this makes David envy Frank. (Quote page 78) Even though David idolised Frank, his views changed within the text. After the truth about Frank and his patients David didn’t like being alone with him. The thought his own uncle as a criminal. (Quote page 49) David changes his innocents when his is hunting and he shot and killed a magpie.

Grants, New Mexico :: Geography Traveling Essays

Grants, New Mexico Surrounded by mountains and located in Cibola County, Grants, New Mexico is the perfect place to unpack the camping gear or raise a family. Grants was named after 3 brothers: Angus, Lewis, and John Grant, who were contracted to build a railroad through this portion of New Mexico. First called â€Å"Grant’s Camp†, then â€Å"Grant’s Station† (which is now a local restaurant); it finally became known simply as â€Å"Grants†. The heart of American Indian country, Grants is about 70 miles west of Albuquerque and 80 miles east of the New Mexico/Arizona border. As of July 2002, Grants had a population of 8,921 residents and growing. Once a small farming community until 1950 when a Navajo rancher discovered uranium on Haystack Mountain, this town has now become a growing tourist destination. For those like me who enjoy mild and dry weather, Grants is perfect. While I enjoy snow, especially around Christmas, it is a real treat to enjoy the beauty of snow one day and then throw on shorts and a tee-shirt the next day. The average summer high and low is 80/50. The average winter high and low is 40/10. During the winter months, it is not uncommon to see one group of people playing a round of golf at the Coyote del Malpais Golf Course located at the foot of Mt. Taylor, while another group are surrounded by snow high on the mountain itself. One of the first things you will notice in Grants is the majestic mountains. Rising 11, 3001 feet, Mt. Taylor displays scattered rows of gorgeous Ponderosa Pine trees. Blazing a trail through these Pines one can find beautiful nature trails, delightful picnic spots, and scenic vistas which make you feel as if you have stepped right into a mythical painting. I have spent many a day loosing myself in nature in those mountains only to find myself going back the next day for another area to explore. Mt. Taylor stays occupied all year round with hikers, bike riders, skiers, and those inclined towards snowshoeing. One of the biggest events that Mt. Taylor boasts is the Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon. Occurring annually on the Saturday of President’s Day Weekend, this event includes a 43 Kilometer bike ride, a 3.5 Kilometer snowshoe trek, an 8 Kilometer cross-country skiing leg, and a 17.5 Kilometer run. While the mountains may be beautiful and innocent during the day, they take on a whole other personality during the evening.

Leadership and Management Paper Essay

At a very young age, George Washington Carver took a strong grip on his destiny. This dynamic leader prevailed over getting born without a name into slavery, overcoming poverty, and prejudice to commit his life in helping others achieve a better livelihood. Through his actions, he was able to earn high levels of respect of self-worth, dignity, honor, and infinite achievement. Booker T. Washington was the first president and principal of the Tuskegee Institute in 1896. Booker T. Washington sent an invitation to George W. Carver to reside over the Agriculture Department. For 47 years Carver developed, taught, and applied constant research in working to develop several methods from using crop-based materials. Carver was the innovator of going green. Through his tenure he worked with two additional college presidents that supported the zealous work of Carver. His discovering and teaching methods of crop rotation while introducing several alternative money crops for farmers that simultaneously improving the soil of heavily cultivated cotton fields would motivate and inspire many Black students to follow suite in his techniques. (Kouzes & Posner, 2009) â€Å"A leader’s dynamic does not come from special powers. It comes from a strong belief in a purpose and a willingness to express that conviction.† In leadership, Carver designed a mobile classroom that brought education to the fields of the farmers. His so-called ‘Jesup wagon’ (named after Morris Ketchum Jesup), well honored for Mr. Jesup a philanthropist and New York financier fully supported and funded the program. Leadership functions Carver had many duties as an administrator, such as administer the Agriculture Experiment Station Farms. He manages the sale and production of farm products that generated revenues for the institute. His academic career as a teacher and researcher was stellar. What made Carver different from other professors and administrators is his determination to fulfill what he believed to be right. There were many times Booker T. Washington would voice his frustrations through letters to Carver because to the way he would administer his duties, Washington would always praise Carver for the great discoveries and hard work that has taken place. (G.W. Carver, 2011) Education is the key to unlock the golden door of opportunity.† This is how his leadership is different from the rest. He proves exactly what he stated to his life. His work became very high profile because of his more than 300 uses for peanuts, pecans, sweet potatoes and soybeans with the majority of his accomplishments of conquering the mundane. Every invention came after hours during peaceful nature walks, observing, and later testing in his laboratory. After Carver came to success, he did not cite ingenuity, though he was very blessed with it. On the contrary, he remarked that 99% of the failures come about people who have the habit of making excuses. Carver also well notes that, â€Å"When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world† pg. 143 of Frontage Magazine. Obstacles George W. Carver is someone whom many can only look up too when problems come into our lives for comparison sake. Carver beats the odds so well that his name should never had been heard of. His mission, determination, and story defy the odds. Being born into slavery a raider kidnapped him as an infant, and was not expected to live past the age of 21 because of poor health and being a Black scientist in the harsh times of racial segregation is beyond the norm. After the death of Carver, the United States Government erected the first national monument to honor someone other that a president. Effective Leader – Common Measures George W. Carver was best known in his time as a man of faith who believes in God as science as a gift from God. He would constantly acknowledge that his work was inspired by the works of God and God’s inspiring, and guiding him in his work. When those who wanted things from Carver such as his  secrets without the desire to work for the knowledge, Carvers replay would be, ‘God refuses to reveal the secrets of the humankind and the universe. Within the readings and teachings of the text, Carver proves his effective leadership skills for success present. To be a leader whom everyone will want to immolate, it takes the extraordinary levels of strong will, determination, someone who can listen and follow, and the ability effectively to move those whom you lead in a positive direction fostering a successful outcome. Conclusion Carver’s faith was his concern of character that his students whom he regularly taught would follow a set of cardinal virtues: ââ€"  Do not look up the rich nor down to the poor ââ€"  Be clean both inside and out ââ€"  Win without bragging ââ€"  Lose if needed but without squealing ââ€"  Be too brave to lie ââ€"  Always be considerate of women, children, and other people ââ€"  Be too generous to cheat ââ€"  Take your share of the world and let others take theirs. The world needs more women and men like George Washington Carver – people who cannot complain, strive hard and overcome adversity while focusing on the finish line ahead. Everyone does not possess the skill and knowledge of George Washington Carver but he has left us a milestone of character traits that can allow us to use as a guide while striving to achieve our goals here in this life. I like what Langston Hughes states on page 159 of Through the Fire, â€Å"Hold fast to dreams, for it dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.† This goes back to how George Washington Carver spoke about excuses; they are just that, an excuse to fail. Live right, stay positive, follow the plan, persevere, and finish the race, you will for sure win. References Carver, G. W. (2011). Greatest Leaders of America History. Frontage Magazine, 32(4), 112 – 113. p.113 Kauzes, J., & Posner, B. (2009, April). See what today will bring when you are done thinking. Whole and Complete Places, 8(13), 78 -84. p.83 Livingstrom, J. T. (1974). Through the Fire (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Harper Collins. p.154

Advertisement Analysis essay

Advertisement Analysis On average, people today strive to look the best that they can. With this influence, consumers prefer to buy products that will give them the results they wish to achieve. Your advertisement has successfully portrayed many positive aspects of the Garnier Fructis product Sleek and Shine. By including detailed information about your product it educates a large number of consumers through the Sleek and Shine advertisement.Along with educating your consumers, as a corporation you also persuade your clients with evidence to back up your claims made about Sleek and Shine. Although your company exposes many valid points, when it comes to the ad itself it falls short with aspects like reassurance. If you take a look at the Pantene advertisement it is clearly backed by a credible source. The Pantene advertisement can also appeal more to viewers because its layout is crisp and easy to read, instead of one that is pushed to the side and jumbled like your Sleek and Shine a dvertisement.Although your an ecofriendly company which bases their products with mainly elements of nature (which explains the backdrop of a sky and a green bottle), the Pantene ad features an Olympian with a gold theme that conveys a thought to consumers that their product is the best and it will give the consumer what they want to look their best. What gives Pantene such a strong hold with this advertisement is the ethos that is set up behind it. The credibility of this ad is what brings it home for consumers; this is because it gives them reassurance that they are using the best product available to them.Having partners like P&G or the Olympics shows that this Pantene product is one of the best because it is back by major successful enterprises. Another huge aspect of the credibility of this ad is the quote â€Å" †¦ I always come out shining† by an Olympic gold medalist confirming that if you are one of the best you would only use the best products. Featuring major enterprises and Olympians gives the consumer trust and reassures them that by using this Pantene product they are getting what the best use. Along with the use of ethos the Pantene advertisement persuades its cliental by manipulating their emotions.As you can see there is a wide use of gold tied into this ad: from the water, to Natalie Coughlin’s bathing suit and hair, as well as the tops of the Pantene shampoo and conditioner bottles. The reasoning behind the wide use of gold is because how the color itself makes one feel. Gold conveys a feeling of joy for people it is also the color of the first place medal that one can receive at the Olympics. Just by the use of color Pantene has been able successfully apply pathos to evoke happy emotions towards using their product, which also make them believe that it is the first place product when it comes to hair care.One of the last key rhetorical devices that Pantene uses to convey their consumers to buy is the use of logos. Althoug h there is not much of it used in this advertisement it still helps validate points for the product. Pantene makes a claim at the bottom of the advertisement that consumers will receive â€Å"healthier hair in less than seven days†. The placement of this statement also plays a role in the use of logos, by placing it at the very end it shows the consumer that on top of being a gold medal worthy product it also is effective almost immediately.The only thing that discredits this claim is that the Pantene product, which is a moister renewal, is compared to a non-conditioning shampoo. Aside from what the product was compared to, the claim still adds logic on to reason to use this product. When it comes to comparing your advertisement for Sleek and Shine to the Pantene advertisement it seems that Sleek and Shine has its positives, but there are things that could defiantly be improved on. One of the major differences from your advertisement compared to Pantene is Garnier’s us e of logos.The Sleek and Shine formula shows scientific evidence to back your claim of a three-day seal of sleekness. Also by including showing an actual picture of the raw materials used to make your new formula it makes it seem more logical that the product really works. Unfortunately one of the biggest down falls to your strongest rhetorical devices is the size of the text as well as layout. The fact that everything is so small these great details about the product can easily be over looked, resulting in less of a response than you should obtain.In addition to the use of logos in the Sleek and Shine hair care we see a use of pathos. This use of emotional appeal those who want a product that works, but is also eco-friendly. By using a deep blue sky with bright white clouds and a bright green bottle it conveys the idea for the consumer that this product is natural and pure, resulting in a positive effect on your hair. This pure outlook may also result in a happy reaction from clien ts because there are not unknown products being put into use on their body.Once again although this thought of purity can be illustrated to consumers, the layout still creates problems in the advertisement. A simple correction that could be applied to solve this problem would be to include information made about its natural recourses in a bigger and bolder text. One last place that your product may need to be overlooked to be revised has to do with the use of ethos. Although there is lots of scientific evidence to convey some sort of credibility, there is no direct evidence like testimonials or a quote from a credible source giving feed back on how well your product works.However one good thing that does work for this advertisement is that by not having a credible source like an Olympian it makes the product seem more relatable and that it is a product for the everyday woman. Over all as an advertisement the Sleek and Shine product seems to be portrayed as a top product, but only if you look closely into the ad. Although the good news is that with a few slight revisions and rearranging this conclusion that this is a top product will jump right off the page and into a consumers head to influence them to buy your product.